Fat Tuesday Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Can a 32 inch double barrel be machined into a 20 inch barrel and still look and shoot correct? Thanks for the info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamond Curly SASS#57086 Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 I love longer barrels so have never cut one to 20". I would love to have a 32" to join my 28 and 30 shotgund. DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 Posted August 26, 2019 Share Posted August 26, 2019 FT - To answer your question straight on - Yes, most long barrel side-by-side shotguns can be shortened. Even by kitchen table "gun smiths." You will have cylinder choke patterns (that is, no choke) when you do that. Not the Full and Full chokes typical of most 32" (duck and goose) guns. And you will have a gap at the muzzle that is usually filled with soft solder or metal-filled epoxy (to keep dirt and moisture out, and return some strength removed when barrels were chopped). Now, some shotguns will be kinda hard to get to stay open after you shuck the shells and want to load two more. The long barrels may have been counterweighting the action to hold it fully open. Some can then be retimed in the hinge or cocking lever areas to stay open. But others will need more weight (from longer barrels) to hold them open. Reworking ancient doubles is almost ALWAYS more expensive and less reliable than buying a modern-made double. Don't think you are taking a cheaper route that none of the other 100,000+ SASS members could not think of. We could get more specific about what will happen with one you are considering chopping when you tell us the maker and model! Good luck, GJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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